2 Samuel 15:2
And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.
Cross-references
In Exodus 18:16, Moses judges disputes and teaches God's laws; Absalom offers only false empathy, not true judgment.
In 1 Kings 3:16-28, Solomon wisely resolves a dispute; Absalom only pretends to care, never actually judging.
In Proverbs 4:16, the wicked cannot sleep unless they cause harm — Absalom's early rising to steal hearts exemplifies this.
In Proverbs 27:14, early morning flattery is counted as cursing; Absalom's early rising and feigned blessing exemplifies this.
In Daniel 11:21, a contemptible person gains the kingdom by flatteries; Absalom's gate flattery mirrors this pattern.
In Exodus 18:14, Moses sits as judge all day; Absalom mimics this posture at the gate, but to subvert rather than serve.
In Exodus 18:26, appointed judges handle cases; Absalom positions himself as an unofficial judge, undermining the system.
In Judges 4:5, Deborah sits under a palm tree to judge Israel; Absalom stands at the gate to intercept, mimicking a judge's role.
In 2 Chronicles 10:7, Rehoboam is advised to speak kindly to win loyalty; Absalom does exactly that, but deceitfully.